How To Create Lasting Hair Extensions (Hint: It Involves A Needle And Thread)

Yes, I used the words "hair extensions," "needle" and "thread" all in one sentence. Some of you master weavers out there may know exactly what I'm talking about, but for the rest of you that don't, read on to see what I mean. (It's pretty amazing stuff.) I must warn you ahead of time that this procedure can be a leetle bit complicated, so don't be dismayed if you don't get it right off the bat. (And, keep in mind that you can always have someone to do it for you.) However, if you're really into hair (like I know some of you beauty buffs are), it's totally worth it!

Many of you reading this may be going "Um, hello! I get my weave sewn in all the time!" but there are others out there that didn't even know this technique existed (like my fellow blogger friend Sarah pictured above whom I had to show what I was talking about). So, I hooked up with my weave master hairstylist David Lopez (he most recently styled hair on the set of Glee) to break down a bit of the process for you.

The first thing you gotta do? Get some hair! Hair shops can be found everywhere, so be sure to spend some time and think about the color and texture of hair that you want to sew in. (It's best to stick to one that matches your own so it looks a bit more realistic). Also, pick up the sewing needle and thread (that matches your hair color) at the hair store as well.

The next (and biggest part) of the process is braiding your actual hair. (I call it cornrowing.) Basically, you need to figure out where you want your part to be (in the middle? on the side?) and braid accordingly making sure to leave out your real hair in the top.

After your hair is braided down, the sewing fun can began! It's just like sewing in real life, so if you're good at that, then this should be easy for you. (If not, well, practice makes perfect!) Loop the thread through the needle and then cut the purchased hair to match the length of the section that you're going to sew in. Using the cross stitch method, begin sewing along the braid. Be sure to pull it tightly (but not too tight!) so the hair doesn't hang loose from the braid.

Keep going until all of your head is done and then (just like that!) you've got a sewn-in weave! Here's the end result of mine. It should last me for a couple of months. I can wash it and style it any way that I want! Now, I know, some may be looking at this and thinking "There's NO WAY I can do this on my own!" And you know what? That's okay. Like I mentioned earlier, you can have someone to do it for you and just study how they do it to get a better idea of how it works. (That's how I figured out much of the process).

Now tell me, what do you think of this? Who out there has ever sewn in their own weave and what was your experience like? And (most importantly!) what do you think of my hair? Would you ever do this to your own? Any short-haired beauties out there who love the idea of having mega-long hair for a little while?